The lived experience of post-divorce in Saudi society: A phenomenological study

Almalki, Thawab; Alomari, Hosen

doi:10.21608/edusohag.2025.395122.1738

The lived experience of post-divorce in Saudi society: A phenomenological study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Thawab Almalki ¹
Hosen Alomari ²

¹ King Khalid University - Abha - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia College of Education - Department of Psychology Psychological Guidance and Counseling

² General Administration of Education in Al Baha Region

10.21608/edusohag.2025.395122.1738

Abstract

Abstract:
This research aimed to explore the lived experiences of divorced women in Saudi society and to highlight the transformations they undergo, as well as how these lived experiences are shaped within their natural context. This contributes to a deeper understanding of these experiences. The research employed a qualitative phenomenological approach, using a purposive sample of eight divorced women. Their ages ranged between 26 and 52 years, with a mean age of 38 years and a standard deviation of 7.48. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. The study identified five main themes that constituted the post-divorce experiences in Saudi society: reconciliation with the self/reality, formation of a new identity, the burden of parenting, the fading of social stigma, and the choice of a future spouse.

Keywords